Transitions: Jan Meisenhelter-Reifsteck loved music, passes away
Jan Meisenhelter-Reifsteck, age 60, of Philo and Tolono, had a passion for live music, especially listening to her partner Dave Lindsey play. She enjoyed her yearly Rock and Roll cruises. She died August 30, 2020 at her home.
Jan is survived by her son Ryan Reifsteck, The Meekers; her adoptive family; her partner David Lindsey and siblings.
She was born January 20, 1960 in Urbana, a daughter of Lynn and Dorothy Meisenhelter.
Among the dearest to her heart was the collection of knives made by her loving friend Craig Schneider. She loved animals and sitting by bon fires enjoying friends, family, and nature. Jan was also known for her elaborate music collection, her ability to be spontaneous and enjoy life as well as her care and compassion for others. She is at peace now with her beloved parents and pet Warlock.
"When you can’t find the light that got you through the cloudy days; when the stars ain’t shinin’ bright; you feel like you’ve lost your way; when the candlelight of home; burns so very far away; well, you got to let your soul shine."
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or C4A -Community Center for the Arts in Urbana, Illinois.
SJO youth wrestling club needs your help to build a permanent home
MAROON LEVEL- $1000-$2499
COLUMBIA BLUE LEVEL- $500-$999
WHITE LEVEL- $250-$499
INDIVIDUALS CONTRIBUTIONS-up to $250 Email: sjoyouthwrestling@gmail.com
GoFundMe: SJO Wrestling Building We thank you for taking the time to consider donating to this tremendous opportunity. We are grateful for any amount you are able to donate and thankful we live in communities that are always supportive of our youth. Go Spartans!! Richard Vetter, Vice-President
SJO Youth Wrestling Board
Senior drivers have up to a year to renew Illinois state drivers license
State Representative takes issue with the Governor prison releases
One State Representative believes the Governor’s pattern of decisions surrounding the state’s prison system is a threat to public safety in Illinois. State Representative Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), who has recently made headlines by way of two lawsuits in Clay County aimed at the state's top leader, isn't happy with a couple of decision made Governor JB Pritzker about the state's prison population.
"The latest decision by the Governor to release one of the inmates involved in the murder of Illinois State Trooper
Layton Davis is appalling," said Bailey (R-Xenia) in a statement delivered to the media. "I was with the Davis family on August 10 when they publicly pleaded with Gov. Pritzker not to release convicted killers James E. Taylor and Aaron Hyche.
Taylor and Hyche were in a vehicle when Davis, who was with Illinois State police for 19 years and assigned to District 12, performed a routine traffic stop for speeding on Interstate-57 near Effingham. An arrest warrant for Taylor had been issued in Cook County after he failed to appear for sentencing on convictions for attempt murder and attempt armed robbery.
Upon learning of the outstanding warrant, Davis attempted to take both men into custody. During his pat-down with the two passengers, the WWII veteran discovered at firearm tucked into Hyche's waistband. A struggle ensued resulting in Davis' death after he was wounded three times.
The pair were later captured, tried and sentenced to life.
Earlier this month, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board paroled Taylor with eight members in favor and five against. Eight is the minimum number of votes needed for parole. Due to firing the fatal shots, the board rejected Hyche's request with 11 members voting against him and two in favor.
"While only Taylor has been released at this time, I wonder how long before Hyche will be set free?" Bailey said. He added: "Davis lost his life that day protecting the people of Illinois, and his wife and three children were left without a husband and father. Taylor and Hyche were given sentences commensurate with their heinous act. They should complete those sentences in full. The Davis family isn’t getting a reprieve from their life-long pain and loss."
Bailey, who has sued Pritzker and his administration in his home district over the Governor's use of Executive Orders during the pandemic the five months, also takes issue with the Governor for other decisions involving prison inmates.
Bailey stated in his release that "Pritzker has okayed the release of more than 4,000 inmates since March 1", citing a report from WAND-TV as well as the Alton Telegraph.
However, according to Restore Justice, only 1,222 prisoners were released due concerns over the rising level of COVID-19 infections in the Illinois prisons. As of June 1, IDOC has released 5,637 individuals with majority of them serving the entire sentence.
While an Appellate Court recently ruling that Pritzker indeed has the ultimate power to set policy regarding inmate transfers, another point of contention from Bailey is the lack of cooperation and consideration for the safety of local communities. He said level has been "unacceptable".
He also takes to task a Pritzker directive ordering sheriffs not to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when illegal immigrants completed their felony prison sentences and were being released. Criticized by the Illinois Sheriffs Association, the organization made it clear the Governor's policies are making their communities less safe.
"Sadly, the Illinois Sheriffs Association has had their hands full, not just trying to protect the people whose safety is
their primary responsibility, but also because they’ve had to battle the Governor on policies that harm public safety,"
said Bailey. "Pritzker is also being sued by the Sheriffs Association because of the state’s failure to take custody of
inmates, currently in local jails, but who received state prison sentences."
"The latest decision by the Governor to release one of the inmates involved in the murder of Illinois State Trooper
Layton Davis is appalling," said Bailey (R-Xenia) in a statement delivered to the media. "I was with the Davis family on August 10 when they publicly pleaded with Gov. Pritzker not to release convicted killers James E. Taylor and Aaron Hyche.
Taylor and Hyche were in a vehicle when Davis, who was with Illinois State police for 19 years and assigned to District 12, performed a routine traffic stop for speeding on Interstate-57 near Effingham. An arrest warrant for Taylor had been issued in Cook County after he failed to appear for sentencing on convictions for attempt murder and attempt armed robbery.
Upon learning of the outstanding warrant, Davis attempted to take both men into custody. During his pat-down with the two passengers, the WWII veteran discovered at firearm tucked into Hyche's waistband. A struggle ensued resulting in Davis' death after he was wounded three times.
The pair were later captured, tried and sentenced to life.
Earlier this month, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board paroled Taylor with eight members in favor and five against. Eight is the minimum number of votes needed for parole. Due to firing the fatal shots, the board rejected Hyche's request with 11 members voting against him and two in favor.
"While only Taylor has been released at this time, I wonder how long before Hyche will be set free?" Bailey said. He added: "Davis lost his life that day protecting the people of Illinois, and his wife and three children were left without a husband and father. Taylor and Hyche were given sentences commensurate with their heinous act. They should complete those sentences in full. The Davis family isn’t getting a reprieve from their life-long pain and loss."
Bailey, who has sued Pritzker and his administration in his home district over the Governor's use of Executive Orders during the pandemic the five months, also takes issue with the Governor for other decisions involving prison inmates.
Bailey stated in his release that "Pritzker has okayed the release of more than 4,000 inmates since March 1", citing a report from WAND-TV as well as the Alton Telegraph.
However, according to Restore Justice, only 1,222 prisoners were released due concerns over the rising level of COVID-19 infections in the Illinois prisons. As of June 1, IDOC has released 5,637 individuals with majority of them serving the entire sentence.
While an Appellate Court recently ruling that Pritzker indeed has the ultimate power to set policy regarding inmate transfers, another point of contention from Bailey is the lack of cooperation and consideration for the safety of local communities. He said level has been "unacceptable".
He also takes to task a Pritzker directive ordering sheriffs not to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when illegal immigrants completed their felony prison sentences and were being released. Criticized by the Illinois Sheriffs Association, the organization made it clear the Governor's policies are making their communities less safe.
"Sadly, the Illinois Sheriffs Association has had their hands full, not just trying to protect the people whose safety is
their primary responsibility, but also because they’ve had to battle the Governor on policies that harm public safety,"
said Bailey. "Pritzker is also being sued by the Sheriffs Association because of the state’s failure to take custody of
inmates, currently in local jails, but who received state prison sentences."
Trump, Biden - Does age matter?
By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
John F. Kennedy was 43 years old when he was elected to serve as President of the United States in 1960. His age did not hurt him on election day.
Barack Obama was 47 years old when he became President of the United States in 2008. His age, skin color and limited number of years that he had served in the United States Senate did not hurt him when it came to election day.
Donald Trump was 70 years old when he was elected in November 2016 as President of the United States. He had never held a public office. He has gone through two divorces and had some ups and downs in his life, which did not prevent him from becoming President of the United States.
We place a lot of emphasis on age. Youth always impresses us. Remember Tiger Woods? He was just 21 years old when he won The Masters in record breaking fashion in 1997.
When we see a great singer like Tony Bennett at the age of 94 still singing and dancing, we can't help but ask the question, "How old is he?" Because we are amazed at what a 94-year-old can do. His age doesn't stop him.
By the way Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 87. Loretta Lynn is 88 and Sophia Loren is 85.
The bottom line is age is just a number.
There are talented and very capable people at every age category of life. Some people are too old when they are 45 years old and some people never get old. Some old people have never matured. While they are old in age they have never mentally grown up.
We all have to move beyond age. We have to ask is the person up for the job mentally and physically? Do they have the energy? Do they have the career and educational background? Do they possess the skills necessary to perform the tasks? Is the person hungry enough to work hard and do a good job or are they merely looking for a title?
Americans want a President who will pull out all the stops to find a vaccine for Covid-19. Laboratories are working on it now. This disease has devastated our nation. No President, I believe, would have been prepared for this pandemic.
Americans still want a slice of the American dream. We want a place to live, a paycheck, good medical care and retirement. We also want to be safe. We don't want thugs and gangs taking over our towns and neighborhoods. A strong police force and military are essential.
This November, Americans will go to the polls to place their vote for President Donald Trump or former Vice-President Joe Biden. What will matter is what you believe in, who you believe in, and your hopes for America.
Trump and Biden both have track records and their age won't matter on Election Day.
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
John F. Kennedy was 43 years old when he was elected to serve as President of the United States in 1960. His age did not hurt him on election day.
Barack Obama was 47 years old when he became President of the United States in 2008. His age, skin color and limited number of years that he had served in the United States Senate did not hurt him when it came to election day.
Donald Trump was 70 years old when he was elected in November 2016 as President of the United States. He had never held a public office. He has gone through two divorces and had some ups and downs in his life, which did not prevent him from becoming President of the United States.
We place a lot of emphasis on age. Youth always impresses us. Remember Tiger Woods? He was just 21 years old when he won The Masters in record breaking fashion in 1997.
When we see a great singer like Tony Bennett at the age of 94 still singing and dancing, we can't help but ask the question, "How old is he?" Because we are amazed at what a 94-year-old can do. His age doesn't stop him.
By the way Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 87. Loretta Lynn is 88 and Sophia Loren is 85.
The bottom line is age is just a number.
There are talented and very capable people at every age category of life. Some people are too old when they are 45 years old and some people never get old. Some old people have never matured. While they are old in age they have never mentally grown up.
We all have to move beyond age. We have to ask is the person up for the job mentally and physically? Do they have the energy? Do they have the career and educational background? Do they possess the skills necessary to perform the tasks? Is the person hungry enough to work hard and do a good job or are they merely looking for a title?
Americans want a President who will pull out all the stops to find a vaccine for Covid-19. Laboratories are working on it now. This disease has devastated our nation. No President, I believe, would have been prepared for this pandemic.
Americans still want a slice of the American dream. We want a place to live, a paycheck, good medical care and retirement. We also want to be safe. We don't want thugs and gangs taking over our towns and neighborhoods. A strong police force and military are essential.
This November, Americans will go to the polls to place their vote for President Donald Trump or former Vice-President Joe Biden. What will matter is what you believe in, who you believe in, and your hopes for America.
Trump and Biden both have track records and their age won't matter on Election Day.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.
New mask ordinace takes effect Aug 24
In three days residents in Champaign County will be subject to a new public health ordinance requiring face coverings, specifically masks that cover the face and nose, to be worn. With thousands of University of Illinois students expected to return to campus in the four days and the subsequent expected rise in the number positive Covid-19 cases, the Champaign-Public Health District is taking a preemptive move to keep residents in the county safe.
The ordinance, which can be found here, applies to "all persons, businesses, workplaces and any other organizations within the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, which are the boundaries of Cunningham Township and of City of Champaign Township, Champaign County, Illinois." It further states that individuals shall be responsible on behalf of themselves and business on the behalf of their employees and customers are ordered to comply with the new law that goes in effect on August 24.
The new public health rule requires any individual over the age of two and able to tolerate a face covering to wear one when social distancing of six feet or more can not be maintained both indoors and out.
All businesses or facilities open to the public are mandated to require everyone, including employees and management, on their premises to wear properly-fitted masks. Masks may only be removed when eating or drinking. Individuals who refuse to voluntarily cover their face may be asked to leave the property.
Illinois became one of the first states in the country to enhance the penalty for assaulting a retail employee who request customers put on a mask or leave the store premises. Anti-maskers who become violent can be charged with a simple battery, a misdemeanor, which could possibly result in up to a year in prison and fines up to $2,500. Attacks could be charged as aggravated battery. It is a felony that can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison. The offender, if they have a criminal record, could pull as much as 10-year stint and/or fined up to $25,000.
Schools will observe the same measures as businesses. Students also permitted to remove their masks when outdoors and social distancing or while playing an instrument.
The final restriction makes it clear that gatherings of 50 or more people is prohibited until further notice or for 150 days.
Transitions: Mikhel Cain will be missed
Mikhel Allen Cain, 21, of Port Angeles, Washington, formerly Ogden, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Mikhel was born September 1, 1998, in Urbana.
Mikhel is survived by his Mother and Step Dad Jacki and Chad Wilcoxon, his brother Landon Brown, step brother Dalton Wilcoxon, 2 step sisters Alyssa and Paige Wilcoxon and his father Wayne Cain. He has lots of aunts and uncles who loved him very much and will miss him terribly. He is survived by two Grandfathers David Perry Sr. of Homer and Bill Cain of St. Joseph and one Grandmother Beth Cain of Urbana.
Mikhel is proceeded in death by his Grandmother Andrea Perry in May 2019 who he was very close to growing up.
Mikhel had the biggest heart and loved spending time with his younger brother Landon. Mikhel loved to play the piano and spent lots of time taking care of his dog. He loved going to the water falls and hiking. He loved to take lots of videos to send to his Mom so she could enjoy his journeys too.
The family will have a small graveside service at Mt Olive cemetery at a later date. There will be a Celebration of life on Saturday September 5th from 2pm - 4pm as a walk, bike, drive through at his moms house in Ogden due to covid restrictions.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mikhel Cain, please visit the floral store.
SJO cross country schedule features five home meets
2020 Fall Schedule
08/28/2020 • Away
Unity, UniHigh
Location: Unity High School 09/05/2020 • Away
Charleston
Location: Charleston High School 09/08/2020 • Home
Oakwood & Armstrong
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 09/12/2020 • Away
Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Location: Paxton Buckley Loda High School 09/15/2020* • Away
Monticello
Location: Monticello 09/19/2020 • Away
St. Teresa Tri-Meet
Location: Decatur St. Teresa High School 09/26/2020* • Home
Spartan Classic
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 10/03/2020 • Home
Shelbyville, PBL, St.Teresa
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 10/06/2020 • Home
vs.Illini Prairie Conference Meet
3 COED open races at 4p/4:45p/5:30p
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 10/10/2020 • Home
IPC XC Meet
Girls: 9a/9:45a girls - Boys: 10:45a/11:30a
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 10/17/2020 • Away
Monticello IPC Meet
Location: Monticello High School 10/24/2020* • Away
IHSA Regionals
Location: TBA
Unity, UniHigh
Location: Unity High School 09/05/2020 • Away
Charleston
Location: Charleston High School 09/08/2020 • Home
Oakwood & Armstrong
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 09/12/2020 • Away
Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Location: Paxton Buckley Loda High School 09/15/2020* • Away
Monticello
Location: Monticello 09/19/2020 • Away
St. Teresa Tri-Meet
Location: Decatur St. Teresa High School 09/26/2020* • Home
Spartan Classic
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 10/03/2020 • Home
Shelbyville, PBL, St.Teresa
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 10/06/2020 • Home
vs.Illini Prairie Conference Meet
3 COED open races at 4p/4:45p/5:30p
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 10/10/2020 • Home
IPC XC Meet
Girls: 9a/9:45a girls - Boys: 10:45a/11:30a
Location: St. Joseph Community Park 10/17/2020 • Away
Monticello IPC Meet
Location: Monticello High School 10/24/2020* • Away
IHSA Regionals
Location: TBA
St. Joseph community garage sale coming in September
Our 2020 Parkland graduates, here's who earned degrees
This year's pandemic did not divert the efforts of 83 area residents who completed the requirements for their respective programs at Parkland College in May. Nearly a quarter of the graduates in the Class of 2020 received degrees in the medical field.
Due to successive executive orders put in place to stop the spread of the Coronavirus by Governor J.B. Pritzker, Parkland's 53rd Commencement Exercise was held online back on May 22, 2020 via YouTube for the first time in school history. Originally live-streamed, the virtual ceremony included speakers, award presentations, and the reading of the graduates' names.
This summer, Parkland sent graduates a green mortarboard, a Parkland tassel with new signet and a padded diploma cover as well as other memorabilia to commemorate their academic achievement.
The college also plans to extend an invitation to 2020 graduates to walk across the stage at the 2021 exercise.
Here is a list of area graduates enter the job market or continuing their education at a four-year institution:
Briley C Ackerman, Tolono
AAS, Nursing John M Acklin, Ogden
AES, Engineering Science Elizabeth K Alt, Tolono
AA, Elementary Education Cody W Argo, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Roger S Ayers, Sidney
AAS, Nursing Kayla J Balsbaugh, St. Joseph
AAS, Child Development Hollie N Baltzell, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing Jennifer A Barnard, Sidney
AA, General Jason T Bowman, Ogden
AAS, Agricultural Business: Precision Ag Technology Kira J Brinkley, Tolono
AFA, Music Education Melanie L Broch, St. Joseph
AAS, Surgical Technology Bryson D Chancellor, Tolono
AS, Aviation Austin R Chilton, St. Joseph
AS, Biological Sciences Britney F Christman, Sidney
AA, Psychology Jarrett L Clem, St. Joseph
CER, Construction: Electrical Inside Wireman Destiny H Coffey, Sidney
AA, Social Work Bonnie G Collins, Ogden
AAS, Digital Media Elena K Cotter, St. Joseph
AS, General Christine M Danielson, Philo
AS, General Zach T David, Ogden
AGS, Associate in General Studies Logan J Dobbs, St. Joseph
AAS, Diesel Power Equipment Technology Kenzie L Dodds, Tolono
AA, Psychology Austin M Downen, Tolono
AAS, Diesel Power Equipment Technology Brandon G Downen, Tolono
AA, Sociology Emily C Eastin, Tolono
AA, General Trevor B Elliott, St. Joseph
AA, Criminal Justice Education Mickaela J Fleming, Royal
AAS, Nursing Hope A Frost, Royal
AAS, Nursing Lauren N Frost, Tolono
AA, Criminal Justice Education Justyn R Fruhling, St. Joseph
AAS, Radiologic Technology Bryce M Haake, St. Joseph
AA, General Webb T Hancock, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Grant C Harper, Ogden
AAS, Automotive Technology Christian M Hasler, Philo
AA, History Ashley N Holm, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Devinne D Horton, Sidney
AAS, Nursing Brandi L Huson, Ogden
AGS, Associate in General Studies Allyson K James, Philo
AA, Elementary Education Sophia A Kaisner, Philo
AS, General Zachary A Kohlmann, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Joseph H Lamendola, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Kaitlyn M Landis, St. Joseph
AAS, Occupational Therapy Assistant Payton J Lareau, Tolono
AAS, Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic Brianna S Lilly, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing Alicia A Maxey, St. Joseph
AAS, Criminal Justice Emily M McCrone, Tolono
AS, General Emma L Messman, Sidney
AS, General Devon M Miezio, Ogden
CER, Practical Nursing Billie J Miller, Philo
AGS, Associate in General Studies Leah J Miller, Tolono
AAS, Nursing McKayla R Norton, Philo
AGS, Associate in General Studies Brendan Z Olauson, St. Joseph
AES, Engineering Science Kristen A Polizzi, St. Joseph
AAS, Business: Management Austin R Rein, Ogden
AAS, Agricultural Business: Precision Ag Technology Ileana L Roberts, Sidney
AAS, Nursing Carson T Robinson, Sidney
AGS, Associate in General Studies Samantha J Roderick, Tolono
AA, General Cori B Rodriguez, Ogden
AAS, Nursing Paige N Sappenfield, Philo
AAS, Nursing Megan K Schumacher, St. Joseph
AAS, Veterinary Technology Sydney J Schurvinske, Sidney
AA, General Briley L Smith, Tolono
AA, Elementary Education Katleyn M Smith, Ogden
AAS, Radiologic Technology Nash C Stanfield, Sidney
AAS, Business: Management Derek L Stevens, Tolono
AAS, Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic Andrew J Stewart, St. Joseph
AA, Psychology Kaitlyn R Taylor, St. Joseph
CER, Practical Nursing Mitchell R Thompsen, St. Joseph
AS, General Carrie J Turner, Tolono
AAS, Business: Management Jordan M Turner, St. Joseph
CER, Automotive Technician Kyle E Vansickle, Sidney
AGS, Associate in General Studies Kimberly A Vecchio, Philo
AAS, Business Administrative Technology Jason M Waldeck, St. Joseph
AS, Computer Science/Computer Information Systems Emilee M Walters, Tolono
AA, Psychology Ethan F Warren, Philo
CER, Automotive Technician Israel D Wells, Sidney
AGS, Associate in General Studies Kenneth A Wells Jr, St. Joseph
AAS, Respiratory Care Madison R Wilson, Philo
AS, General Sarah E Wiseman, St. Joseph
AFA, Art and Design Nicole L Woller, St. Joseph
AS, General Casey J Young, Tolono
AA, General Jordan T Hall, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing Tenneal Frerichs, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing
AAS, Nursing John M Acklin, Ogden
AES, Engineering Science Elizabeth K Alt, Tolono
AA, Elementary Education Cody W Argo, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Roger S Ayers, Sidney
AAS, Nursing Kayla J Balsbaugh, St. Joseph
AAS, Child Development Hollie N Baltzell, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing Jennifer A Barnard, Sidney
AA, General Jason T Bowman, Ogden
AAS, Agricultural Business: Precision Ag Technology Kira J Brinkley, Tolono
AFA, Music Education Melanie L Broch, St. Joseph
AAS, Surgical Technology Bryson D Chancellor, Tolono
AS, Aviation Austin R Chilton, St. Joseph
AS, Biological Sciences Britney F Christman, Sidney
AA, Psychology Jarrett L Clem, St. Joseph
CER, Construction: Electrical Inside Wireman Destiny H Coffey, Sidney
AA, Social Work Bonnie G Collins, Ogden
AAS, Digital Media Elena K Cotter, St. Joseph
AS, General Christine M Danielson, Philo
AS, General Zach T David, Ogden
AGS, Associate in General Studies Logan J Dobbs, St. Joseph
AAS, Diesel Power Equipment Technology Kenzie L Dodds, Tolono
AA, Psychology Austin M Downen, Tolono
AAS, Diesel Power Equipment Technology Brandon G Downen, Tolono
AA, Sociology Emily C Eastin, Tolono
AA, General Trevor B Elliott, St. Joseph
AA, Criminal Justice Education Mickaela J Fleming, Royal
AAS, Nursing Hope A Frost, Royal
AAS, Nursing Lauren N Frost, Tolono
AA, Criminal Justice Education Justyn R Fruhling, St. Joseph
AAS, Radiologic Technology Bryce M Haake, St. Joseph
AA, General Webb T Hancock, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Grant C Harper, Ogden
AAS, Automotive Technology Christian M Hasler, Philo
AA, History Ashley N Holm, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Devinne D Horton, Sidney
AAS, Nursing Brandi L Huson, Ogden
AGS, Associate in General Studies Allyson K James, Philo
AA, Elementary Education Sophia A Kaisner, Philo
AS, General Zachary A Kohlmann, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Joseph H Lamendola, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies Kaitlyn M Landis, St. Joseph
AAS, Occupational Therapy Assistant Payton J Lareau, Tolono
AAS, Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic Brianna S Lilly, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing Alicia A Maxey, St. Joseph
AAS, Criminal Justice Emily M McCrone, Tolono
AS, General Emma L Messman, Sidney
AS, General Devon M Miezio, Ogden
CER, Practical Nursing Billie J Miller, Philo
AGS, Associate in General Studies Leah J Miller, Tolono
AAS, Nursing McKayla R Norton, Philo
AGS, Associate in General Studies Brendan Z Olauson, St. Joseph
AES, Engineering Science Kristen A Polizzi, St. Joseph
AAS, Business: Management Austin R Rein, Ogden
AAS, Agricultural Business: Precision Ag Technology Ileana L Roberts, Sidney
AAS, Nursing Carson T Robinson, Sidney
AGS, Associate in General Studies Samantha J Roderick, Tolono
AA, General Cori B Rodriguez, Ogden
AAS, Nursing Paige N Sappenfield, Philo
AAS, Nursing Megan K Schumacher, St. Joseph
AAS, Veterinary Technology Sydney J Schurvinske, Sidney
AA, General Briley L Smith, Tolono
AA, Elementary Education Katleyn M Smith, Ogden
AAS, Radiologic Technology Nash C Stanfield, Sidney
AAS, Business: Management Derek L Stevens, Tolono
AAS, Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic Andrew J Stewart, St. Joseph
AA, Psychology Kaitlyn R Taylor, St. Joseph
CER, Practical Nursing Mitchell R Thompsen, St. Joseph
AS, General Carrie J Turner, Tolono
AAS, Business: Management Jordan M Turner, St. Joseph
CER, Automotive Technician Kyle E Vansickle, Sidney
AGS, Associate in General Studies Kimberly A Vecchio, Philo
AAS, Business Administrative Technology Jason M Waldeck, St. Joseph
AS, Computer Science/Computer Information Systems Emilee M Walters, Tolono
AA, Psychology Ethan F Warren, Philo
CER, Automotive Technician Israel D Wells, Sidney
AGS, Associate in General Studies Kenneth A Wells Jr, St. Joseph
AAS, Respiratory Care Madison R Wilson, Philo
AS, General Sarah E Wiseman, St. Joseph
AFA, Art and Design Nicole L Woller, St. Joseph
AS, General Casey J Young, Tolono
AA, General Jordan T Hall, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing Tenneal Frerichs, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing
State Farm Holiday Classic basketball tournament put on hold
Just hours ago, the organizers for the annual State Farm Holiday Classic announced this year's basketball tournament, which was scheduled to run from December 28-31, has been cancelled in a post to Facebook. It is the first break in the event's 42-year run.
With the possibility of a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic during the winter months and the restrictions on the number of spectators allowed by the Illinois Public Health Department at sporting events, it was a decision makes financial sense for the long term viability of the tournament.
"Please know this is not a decision we made lightly, but in order to ensure the safety of all participants (players, coaches, administrators, fans, officials, volunteers, tournament staff and sponsors), we find it best to not organize a tournament this year," the statement read. "Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time! We wish all of our schools and their athletic programs nothing but the best this year, and we hope everyone remains safe and healthy!"
Making its debut in 1975, the tournament was originally named the Illinois State Classic. Since then the tournament has grown to be one of the largest coed holiday basketball tournaments in the country. Through out its history there have been dozens high school athletes who went on to become not only professional basketball players, but also NFLers and Olympic athletes.
Each year the games are played at four venues in Bloomington-Normal: Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center, Bloomington High School, Normal Community High School and Normal West High School. This would have also been the 24th installment of the girls tournament and the 19th of the Ron Knisley Memorial Special Olympics Shootout, which is also hosted by organizers.
Last December, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys squad was the #6 seed and finished in 6th place. The Spartans opened their 2019 tournament appearance with a 47-42 win over #11 Annawan on their way to a 2-2 finish.
On the ladies side, SJO brought home a 5th place trophy after a 3-1 run logging wins over Bishop Mac, Annawan and Illini Prairie Conference rival Bloomington Central. The team's only loss was to eventual small school champion Normal University.
Tournament organizers vows the tournament will return in 2021. Dates for the event are scheduled December 27-30.
SJO's Riley Baker looks to pass the ball while playing during the 2016 State Farm Holiday Classic. The annual tournament was cancelled for the 2020 season amid health concerns for athletes, spectators and officials. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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In order to adhere to the guidelines set forth by both the Illinois High School Association and the State of Illinois,...
Posted by State Farm Holiday Classic on Tuesday, August 18, 2020
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Opening your home, opening your world: Families invited to host exchange students this fall
PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Read more . . .